Alva Labs offers a range of mechanical design, analysis, build, and test services to help our clients reach their goals
Spacecraft
With multiple generations of spacecraft hardware in orbit, Alva Labs knows what it takes to make it to space
Conceptual: Spacecraft sizing, Initial power modelling
Configuration: Bus & Deployable layout, Primary structure and load paths, Harnessing
Detail Design: End to end unit design for Cameras, Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels, Actuators, Magnetorquers, Solar Arrays, Pointing Mechanisms, Antennas, PCBA integration, Ground Support Equipment
Payload Design: Component selection, Layout, and Waveguide routing, Split block design
Analysis: Global spacecraft FEM creation and management, Loads development, Margins reporting for components, fasteners, and adhesives
Manufacturing: Metallic and composite component sourcing, vendor management, Nonconformance disposition
Assembly: Clean room assembly of structures, precision mechanisms, harnesses, and enclosures
Testing: Test specifications and execution for Bus and Unit qualification, protoqual, and acceptance. Vibration, Shock, Static testing, Ambient Thermal, TVAC
Aircraft
No strangers to first flights, Alva Labs is here to help make yours happen
Conceptual: Initial sizing, Drag buildup, Weight and balance
Configuration: Vehicle Layout and Trade Studies, Control system
Detail Design: Outer Mold Line development, Master Modelling, Detail CAD w/ GD&T Drawings
Analysis: Structural sizing via hand calcs and aeroshell FEM. Flight envelope load case definition, Detail joint design and analysis
Manufacturing: Network of suppliers who can deliver hardware that meets requirements, Composite wet lamination, Vacuum infusion
Assembly: Extensive hands on build and prototyping experience, Bonded assemblies
Testing: Flight testing, Static load testing
Launch Vehicles
At the intersection of air and space, Launch vehicles require extreme engineering that Alva Labs is here to support
Conceptual: structures sizing and load paths, thermal protection systems, system-level optimization, assembly and integration flow, requirements definition
Detail Design: Actuation systems, Composite fairings and aero cover design, Ground support equipment, Production CAD and GD&T Drawings
Analysis: Component and structural FEM creation and management, Loads development with dynamics, thermal, and aero teams
Testing: Structural and thermal testing including Vibration, Shock, Static, Ambient Thermal, TVAC
Everything Else
Even if your project doesn’t fit into any of the categories listed above, Alva Labs would be happy to discuss what sort of support we could offer. Some of our competencies outside of aerospace include:
Fabrication & Prototyping
System Testing
Reverse Engineering
Sheet-metal Design
Product design
Software we Use
Design: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks is the preferred CAD package for most projects but we can implement solutions in the program of your choosing ranging from Siemens NX to Fusion360
Analysis: Simcenter Femap with the NASTRAN solver is the standard analysis package at Alva Labs. Femap enables the generation of professional finite element models that you can trust. Project support with Ansys is also available.
